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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
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 Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner. Our weekly newsletter, updated each Wednesday, provides information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your family and friends.
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April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Everyone is affected by sexual assault. This statistics show this is true: 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the U.S. have reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime. In many cases, sexual violence is a result of a culture that does not properly educate people on how to prevent crimes like this from happening. Ending sexual violence will take the community, which is why it is important to raise awareness and give community members the tools to have these conversations with their families and with each other. Learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month and what you can do to help raise awareness about this important issue.
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2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
We are grateful to the county and community partners including Bikers Against Child Abuse, Fairfax CASA, Fairfax County Police Department, and Fairfax County Public Schools who joined the Department of Family Services for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meeting which recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Check out the video as Rondell Patterson shares her testimony to the transformative power of services and supports offered by the Department of Family Services’ Parenting Education, Neighborhood Networks, BeFriend-A-Child, and Adopt-A-Family Holiday programs. Learn more about how you can get involved this month.
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Visit Free Income Tax Preparation Sites Before April 15
Did you or your family make less than $69,000 in 2025? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free help preparing your tax return and maximizing refunds and tax credits. Only two weeks until Tax Day when the last VITA site closes! Visit Herndon before April 11, Reston or Annandale before April 14, or Alexandria before April 15. Plan your visit by knowing what documents to bring and viewing the full site schedule.
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Learn How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud at Scam Jam 2026
Each year, AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program hosts Scam Jam, a free community event that brings together experts in law enforcement, finance, and consumer protection to provide the latest information on how to avoid falling for a scam and other resources to keep older adults safe. Scam Jam 2026 will take place on Thursday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, in Fairfax. Learn more about the event and how to register in the April issue of the Golden Gazette.
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Foster Care Unit Success Story: A Journey of Hope and Family for Daniel
When a baby boy was just six months old, his world changed in ways no child should have to face. His mother, Tania, a young teenager herself, entered foster care after enduring abuse and neglect in her own home. Daniel’s journey was a difficult, but hopeful one with many challenges. Learn more.
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Stay Alert: EBT Scams Continue by Text, Email, and Phone
If you are an EBT cardholder, stay alert for scammers pretending to be representatives from a government agency or EBT customer service. They may claim something is wrong with your EBT account or that you are at risk of losing benefits. The correct Virginia EBT Call Center phone number is 866-281-2448. When in doubt, hang up and call the official number on your card. Stay safe and protect your benefits by keeping your card number and PIN private, use the ConnectEBT app to lock your card, and do not click on links in suspicious text messages. Learn more tips for protecting your benefits.
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Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence—Family Violence and Homicide
When actor/director Rob Reiner and his producer wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death, they certainly weren’t the first victims to lose their lives allegedly to family violence, but they are perhaps the most famous in the last decade. We say not the first because, in fact, Fairfax County and the surrounding jurisdictions have seen their fair share of family violence homicides of late. But perhaps the celebrity factor of the Reiner murders, while tragic, can help us shed more light on this particular form of interpersonal violence. On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services ADAPT Supervisor Jennifer Perkins, and Mary Wall, Adult Protective Services Supervisor in the Adult & Aging Division of the Department of Family Services, talk about family violence, how to recognize it, and the rise in family violence homicides—both nationally and here in Fairfax County.
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Friday, April 3 – Wear Blue Day for Child Abuse Prevention
Virginia’s Wear Blue Day is Friday, April 3 to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Put on your favorite blue outfit, snap a selfie, and email us the most #Bluetifulphoto of yourself at buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or post to social media with hashtags #WearBlueDay. Your photos could be displayed on Facebook.
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Tuesday, April 7 – Wear Teal Day
Wear teal on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to show support for survivors of sexual violence and to raise awareness about Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Email your teal selfies or post to social media with hashtags #SAAM #WearTeal #Support Survivors. Photos may be shared online.
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Tuesdays, Starting April 7 – Free Dads Parenting Group
Dads, sign up for our upcoming virtual Dads Parenting Group to improve parenting skills and build better relationships! The majority of dads who completed Dads Parenting Groups increased or maintained positive involvement with their children. This 13-week course takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. starting Tuesday, Apr. 7. Fairfax County residents or dads with children living in Fairfax are welcome. Interpretation services are available for Spanish and other languages upon request. Learn more or sign up by calling 703-324-7720 or by visiting https://bit.ly/DFS-FE.
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Wednesday, April 8 – FCPS ACE Trades Apprenticeship Info Session
Are you interested in getting into the electrical, HVAC or plumbing trades but don’t know where to begin? Attend the FCPS ACE Info Session on Wednesday, Apr. 8, 11-noon, to learn about apprenticeship training, financial aid for classes, employer sponsorships and more! This session will be offered in-person at the Hybla Valley Community Center and virtually. To receive the link to attend virtually, you must register for the event. Register now.
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Wednesday, April 8 – Free In-Person Workshop: Healthy Relationships – Parenting with Empathy (English)
Join us on Wednesday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library for a free in-person workshop, “Healthy Relationships: Parenting with Empathy,” part of the Stronger Foundations for Parenting Workshop Series. Learn what empathy is, why it matters in parenting, and how to use effective communication to strengthen your relationships with your children. Participants will explore practical ways to model healthy, respectful interactions at home. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0–18 years old can register online. Prizes will be available for participants. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.
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Like this newsletter? We have more! Subscribe to get updates and tips specifically for caregivers, jobseekers, foster parents, volunteers, older adults, people with disabilities, and people living in assisted living or other long-term care facilities. You can also listen to our podcast, watch videos, follow us on Facebook, email us, or call us. Learn more and sign up today! |
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The Department of Family Services (DFS) envisions a community where everyone lives their success story and thrives. DFS strengthens the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of all children, adults, and families through assistance, partnership, advocacy, outreach, and quality services.
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